FA Cup Predictions: City to dump Liverpool out, Arsenal and Chelsea both to advance

FA Cup quarter-finals April 4 2026: Man City vs Liverpool, Chelsea vs Port Vale, Southampton vs Arsenal.

The fantastic four! Which of these teams will advance to the final four of the FA Cup? (Photo credit: ESPN)

Today, Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Emirates FA Cup reaches a fever pitch as the quarter-finals kick off with three high-stakes matchups across England. With a trip to Wembley for the semi-finals on the line, the schedule features a mix of heavyweight clashes and a classic "giant-killing" opportunity.

The biggest of the lot

Manchester City vs Liverpool

Etihad Stadium

12:45

The day starts with a true blockbuster at the Etihad. Manchester City, fresh off a dominant League Cup victory, are looking to keep their hopes of a domestic treble alive. 

For Liverpool, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, the FA Cup represents their most viable path to silverware this season.

With both sides resting during the international break, expect a high-intensity encounter as Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola face off once again in one of English football's modern defining rivalries.

The players that will define this game for Manchester City are Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Antoine Semenyo. 

While it was Nico O'Rielly who made the difference in the League Cup against Arsenal, you expect the big boys to light up the stage on Saturday.

For the visitors, there's a chance that Alexander Isak will return to the pitch after the Swede was spotted in full training during the break. 

Hugo Ekitikete and Mohammed Salah are expected to feature, but Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahim Konate will have lots to do at the Etihad if Liverpool were to triumph.

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David vs. Goliath affair

Chelsea vs Portvale

Stamford Bridge Stadium

17:15

In the late afternoon, League One side Port Vale travels to West London for a chance at history. 

Port Vale reached the quarter-finals after a gritty 1-0 win over Sunderland, and while Chelsea enters as heavy favorites at Stamford Bridge, the Valiants will be buoyed by the "magic of the cup."

For Chelsea, this is a must-win game to salvage a season of transition and secure a spot in the final four. 

The Enzo Fernández situation will linger in the air as the Argentine has been suspended for two games following his comments about Real Madrid.

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A shot at redemption

Southampton vs Arsenal

St. Mary's Stadium

20:00

The Saturday action concludes on the south coast. Arsenal, who have been prolific in the earlier rounds (most recently defeating Wigan 4-0), face a tricky away day against a resilient Southampton side.

The Saints earned their spot with a victory over Leicester City and have proven difficult to break down at St Mary's this year. 

Under the lights, this matchup promises to be a tactical battle for the final semi-final spot of the day.

Arsenal must respond after their pitiful performance at Wembley a fortnight ago. 

The Gunners have a chance of making history; they must not slip up here. With many Arsenal players reportedly out injured, does Arsenal have a chance here?

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